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SPACE STATION MARATHON:
The International Space Station (ISS) is
about to make a remarkable series of flybys over the United States.
Beginning this 4th of July weekend, the station will appear once,
twice, and sometimes three times a day for many days in a row. Check
the Simple Satellite Tracker for flyby times.
SUDDEN SUPER SUNSPOT:
Sunspot 1024 is crackling with B-
and C-class solar flares. The activity is so intense, astronomers
can't seem to take a picture of the sunspot without catching a flare
in action. Pete Lawrence sends this example from his backyard observatory
in Selsey, UK:
"Active region 1024 is putting on a fantastic show,"
says Lawrence. "The center of this region is incredibly bright
and fluctuating."
Solar observers haven't seen an active region like this one in
more than two years. It is big, complex, and rapidly growing: movie.
The magnetic polarity of the sunspot, revealed by SOHO magnetograms,
show that it is a member of new Solar Cycle 24. This makes sense:
New research shows that solar
jet streams are beginning to stimulate new-cycle sunspot production.
Sunspot 1024 appears to be a sign of the process at work, heralding
more to come. Monitoring
is encouraged.
more images: from
Anthony Ayiomamitis of Athens, Greece; from
Didier Favre of Brétigny-sur-Orge, France; from
Cai-Uso Wohler of Bispingen, Germany; from
Pavol Rapavy of Observatory Rimavska Sobota, Slovakia; from
Steve Wainwright of Swansea, S. Wales UK; from
Jan Timmermans of Valkenswaard, The Netherlands; from
Mark Townley of Brierley Hill, West Midlands, UK; from
David B.V. Tyler of southern England; from
Brian Woosnam of In North Wales UK; from
Lecoq Etienne of Mesnil Panneville Normandy ,France; from
Florin Marc of Tirgu Mures, Romania
PLANETARY FIREWORKS:
Amateur astronomer Alfredo Garcia Jr didn't
expect to see many stars and planets when he took his family to
see the 4th of July fireworks show at Disneyland. The explosions
were just too bright. But lo and behold, there was Saturn:
Photo details: Canon
EOS KissX2, 1/30 sec, ASA 1600
"Much to my surprise, some of the fireworks made a ringed
planet," says Garcia. "It reminded me so much of Saturn,
that I plan to take a look at the planet tonight through my telescope."
Readers who feel the same way may find Saturn--the real one--in
the constellation Leo. Look west after sunset: sky
map.
UPDATED: 2009
Sarychev Sunset Gallery
[See also: 2008
Kasatochi Sunset Photo Gallery]
2009
Noctilucent Photo Gallery
[previous years: 2008,
2007, 2006,
2005, 2004,
2003]
Explore
the Sunspot Cycle
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